Fordham's Austin Tong: NRA-ILA-This is What Keeps America Free
BY NRAHQ
SEE: https://www.ammoland.com/2020/07/this-what-keeps-america-free/#axzz6TUWMkFMo;
republished below in full unedited for informational, educational & research purposes:
U.S.A. -(AmmoLand.com)- In response to a public expression of lawful political speech, “safety officers”
come to the person’s home at midnight to interrogate him. He is accused of intimidation, making
threats, hate crimes, and disorderly conduct. He is found guilty and his punishment includes exclusion
from the community, suspension of his academic privileges, a ban on taking leadership roles in campus
organizations, mandatory meetings with appropriate officials to learn about correct ways of thinking
and speaking, and the presentation of a formal written apology, to be submitted in draft form “for
approval.”
Readers would be excused for assuming that this occurred in some backward, repressive dictatorship or totalitarian regime, but these troubling events took place at an American University.
Austin Tong, a senior at Fordham University in New York State, posted two messages on his Instagram account. The first, on June 3, was a comment about the “nonchalant societal reaction” to the killing of David Dorn, a black, retired St. Louis Police officer. His second post, a day later, was a photo of himself holding his lawfully owned AR-15 rifle at his off-campus home. This was captioned, “Don’t tread on me,” followed by the emojis of the American and Communist Chinese flags and a hashtag “commonly used by Chinese citizens to avoid censorship of online discussion of the Tiananmen Square massacre.”
Mr. Tong is a Chinese-American who arrived in the United States as a six-year-old immigrant. He explained that his second post was made to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the suppressed 1989 Chinese Democracy Movement.
According to Mr. Tong, the university “sent safety officers at midnight to interrogate me all over a simple picture of a lawfully owned gun.”
Keith Eldredge, Fordham University’s Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President, followed up by advising that he was initiating an investigation for bias/hate crimes, threats/intimidation, and disorderly conduct, based on these “posts on social media related to the current racial issues in the country and political issues in China, including one in which you were holding an automatic weapon.”
Fordham University – a private educational institution that is not bound by the First Amendment – nonetheless professes its commitment to free speech and expressive rights. For example, its mission statement “guarantees the freedom of inquiry required by rigorous thinking and the quest for truth.”
The university’s Demonstration Policy opens with the following: “By its very nature, the University is a place where ideas and opinions are formulated and exchanged. Each member of the University has a right to freely express their positions and to work for their acceptance whether they assent to or dissent from existing situations in the University or society.” Similarly, Fordham’s policy on “Bias-Related Incidents and/or Hate Crimes” claims the University:
Values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. The expression of controversial ideas and differing views is a vital part of University discourse. Although the expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory to others, it may not constitute a hate crime or bias-related incident. While this value of openness protects the expression of controversial ideas, it does not protect or condone harassment or expressions of bias or hate aimed at individuals or groups that violate the Student Code of Conduct.
Regardless of these high-minded affirmations, the University concluded that Mr. Tong’s posts – devoid of threats, violence, intimidation, coercion, or harassment – violated the university rules on “Bias and/or Hate Crimes” and “Threats/Intimidation.”
A July 14 2020 letter from Keith Eldredge (copied to the “Department of Public Safety”) outlined the sanctions. Mr. Tong would be barred from the campus for the duration of his degree program. He was banned from representing the university or running for any student office or position. He would be required to attend instruction and complete activities on “implicit bias,” including a meeting with staff of the “multicultural affairs” office. He would have to submit a mandatory “apology letter,” to be approved by the university and a failure to comply would result in the university suspending or expelling him.
Perversely, the social media backlash to these innocuous posts has itself resulted in threats, intimidation, and potential bias/hate crimes against Austin Tong. It will be interesting to see whether Fordham University will enforce the same rules and policies against the activists from the university that “flooded the comments section” of his posts.
In the same way that the “quest for truth” supported characterizing his firearm indiscriminately as an “automatic weapon,” the university’s commitments to “freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas” protected Austin Tong, who was “forcibly silenced, faced verbal and assaulting harassment from mobs, and subjected to Soviet-style interrogation and punishment.” Despite this, and the possibility that his academic career will be marred indefinitely due to these disciplinary actions, he has been steadfast in his defense of his constitutional rights.
In a video for the NRA, Austin Tong describes his decision to purchase a gun, adding that “[h]ere in America, we have our right to keep and bear arms. This is what keeps America free.”
Actually, Austin, it is patriots like you – who fight to protect our constitutional freedoms – that keep America free.
About NRA-ILA:
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org
Student Charged With Hate Crime for Posing With Gun
#AustinTong #SecondAmendment #DavidDorn #FreeSpeech #CancelCulture Student Austin Tong plans to sue Fordham University for suspending him over two Instagram posts. The first was a picture of retired St. Louis Police Captain David Dorn, a black man who was killed during riots over the death of George Floyd while responding to an alarm at a pawn shop. Tong wrote, 'Y'all are hypocrites,' in reference to how little media attention Dorn's death received. The second post shows Tong holding a rifle with the caption "Don't tread on me" and the date of the Tiananmen Square massacre, June 4, 1989, when thousands of mostly young student pro-democracy protestors were arrested or gunned down by the Chinese government in Beijing. Tong, who was born in China and whose family immigrated to the United States when he was 6 years old, explained in a comment that the date has significance for his family and many others with Chinese roots as an important day for democracy, and that he is glad to live in the United States where the right to bear arms is protected. Both posts received backlash from students, who tagged the University and demanded action. Tong says soon after, Fordham University Dean of Students Keith Eldredge notified him that he was in violation of the school's code of conduct “relating to bias and/or hate crimes” and for “threats/intimidation”. According to Tong, Eldredge said, "Your intentions may not be harmful but your impact was harmful." Tong is now suspended, must submit an apology to the University, and undergo diversity training by the end of July. TIME STAMPS: 1:00 Austin explains his posts 5:00 University officials show up at Austin's house to question him 11:00 Austin responds to backlash 6:40 Dean of Students calls Austin and explains conduct violations he will face 17:00 Austin says school shootings were never mentioned as a reason to discipline him for his post 19:25 Austin explains his plan 26:00 How cancel culture polarizes people
BY NRAHQ
SEE: https://www.ammoland.com/2020/07/student-charged-hate-crime-posing-gun/#axzz6TDJgNfYg;
republished below in full unedited for informational, educational & research purposes:
U.S.A. -(AmmoLand.com)- Austin Tong was an average college kid working on his degree from Fordham
University in New York City when, last week, he posted a couple of pictures on Instagram that made
him the target of an irrational Internet mob and a scurrilous university investigation. The pictures
he posted – which nearly got him kicked out of school – were of a retired police captain who was
recently killed by looters, and one of him holding an AR-15.
His posts prompted a hateful reaction from intolerant “keyboard warriors” who despise the police and the Second Amendment. Fordham University officials then opened an investigation and charged him with intimidation, making threats, disorderly conduct, and a hate crime – all for posting a picture of himself with a lawfully purchased and owned firearm and one of a slain police officer. Now he has been banned from campus, asked to write a letter of apology, and told he must complete implicit bias and multicultural sensitivity training in order to graduate with his degree.
Today is the deadline for Austin to make his decision. He plans on saying no. And, if the university wants to kick him out, he says they’re going to have a legal fight on their hands.
Stories similar to Mr. Tong’s are happening all over America. The NRA will stand and fight for every citizen’s rights. Please consider joining or donating today to support Mr. Tong, and the NRA cause.
Here are five quick questions and answers from new NRA member Austin Tong.
You were born in China and immigrated to the United States. How did that happen?
America is the land of opportunity and I think everyone around the world knows that. My parents, who came first, wanted to make a better life for themselves and their family. They knew America was a free country and people come here because of everything the country has to offer. That’s why we moved to New York.
Have you always been interested in firearms?
I’ve always had an interest, mostly thanks to video games, but I never really thought about buying one before. But after recent events I thought it would be a good way to keep me and my family safe.
I’ll admit I wasn’t always a believer, but as time went on, I began to appreciate the rights we have as Americans more and more. And that’s how I got into trouble – because I expressed that appreciation.
What was it like to receive a midnight visit from the Fordham Safety Officers?
Well, I posted the pictures, received the backlash, and a few hours later received a call from the officers saying they were a few minutes away and wanted to talk. I looked out my door and saw them standing outside my home. One came in and one stayed with the car. It was basically about 20 minutes of questions about the firearm, why I posted the pictures, and what I was trying to say.
I’m a good guy, a good person, so while I was a little shook by the visit I knew I’d done nothing wrong. I knew people would probably criticize the post, but I wasn’t expecting the level of backlash, the death threats, the calls for expulsion, or that the entire school would get involved. I was shocked, appalled, and disappointed. But I didn’t do anything wrong and that’s why, if they carry through with their threats, we’re going to sue.
We’ve read about the horrible comments you received, including the death threats, but have all the reactions been negative?
No, not at all. There were a ton of nasty comments after the initial post but once the word really got out, where the NRA really helped a lot, I started hearing from the media, other Instagramers, and people from the firearm community.
That’s why I’m doing this. At first this was my case by now I think of it as the country’s. I don’t know what’s going to happen when I don’t comply with Fordham’s demands. I don’t’ know what’s going to happen to my future but after receiving all those messages from people around the country and around the world – people from all backgrounds and political parties – I knew I had to do more. They were telling me their stories, similar stories, how they were silenced or too scared to share their stories. That should never happen – not here in America.
That’s why I’m doing this. That’s why I’m standing up. When there’s no free speech then America isn’t America anymore. That’s what drives me. It’s empowering what the NRA did, what people across the country have done, and I think we’ll have a great case for protecting free speech.
Did the reaction from Fordham officials surprise you?
It did because the guy who charged me, the dean of students, he knows me. And the safety officers said I wasn’t a threat or being intimidating. They said there’s nothing wrong with me yet they’re still trying to kick me out of school.
I’m shocked and surprised because they know me. They know who I am. And I expected more from this esteemed university.
About NRA-ILA:
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org
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Chinese immigrant student, 21, sues Fordham University after he was banned from campus over 'Don't tread on me' post in which he held an AR-15 to commemorate anniversary of Tienanmen Square
- Austin Tong, 21, filed a lawsuit against Fordham Univsersity after they penalized him over two social media posts
- One showed a picture of David Dorn, the 77-year-old retired officer who was shot dead during by a looter after protests in St. Louis, Missouri
- The other was a photo of Tong holding a rifle to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre
- Fordham University determined Tong had violated school policies with bias and hate crimes that were classified as 'Threats/Intimidation'
- Tong, a Chinese immigrant and Black Lives Matter supporter, wrote that both posts were made 'love for this country'
- School officials enacted several penalties, including a ban from campus, school office and possible expulsion if Tong violates probation
- BY LAUREN EDMONDS
-
Read more:
- Fordham student wrongfully penalized for social media posts: suit
- Fordham University Bans Student from Campus Over Tiananmen Square Posts | National ReviewSEE: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8555203/Student-files-lawsuit-against-Fordham-University-penalized-social-media-posts.html;
republished below in full unedited for informational, educational & research purposes:
A Fordham University student filed a lawsuit against the school after he was banned from campus over social media posts showing hiim holding an AR-15, and another about slain retired officer David Dorn.
Austin Tong, a 21-year-old rising senior at Fordham University, last month made two separate social media posts to his Instagram account.
A letter written to Tong by the Office of the Dean of Students determined that his posts were a 'Violation of University Regulations relating to Bias and Hate Crimes' and classified as 'Threats/Intimidation.'
On June 3, Tong shared a photo of David Dorn, a 77-year-old retired captain of the St. Louis Police Department, who was shot dead by a looter while reportedly trying to protect his friend's pawn shop during a riot.
Austin Tong, a 21-year-old rising senior at Fordham University, has filed a lawsuit against the school after he was penalized over two social media posts
Dorn's body was found dead on a the sidewalk in front of Lee's Pawn & Jewelry after his death was streamed on Facebook Live in June.
'Y’all a bunch of hypocrites,' wrote Tong, a Black Lives Matter supporter, venting his apparent frustrations over the lack of outrage over the killing.
Dorn's death came after George Floyd, an unarmed father-of-five, died in police custody after Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparking mass protests.
On June 4, Tong shared a photo of himself holding a rifle outside a home in Nassau County with the caption 'Don't tread on me. #198964 USCN.'
The second post was meant to honor the 31st anniversary of the Tienanmen Square massacre, which saw student-led pro-democracy demonstrators brutally killed by government troops in retaliation.
Tong shared two Instagram posts in June, one about slain St. Louis police captain David Dorn (left) and to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre
CCTV shows alleged suspects involved in the murder of David Dorn
He wrote in a letter that the social media posts were made out of 'love for this country.'
'The content of both posts are fully by my love for this country, fully within the boundaries of law and university code, and in no way expressing threatening or hateful thoughts — yet the University subjectively and maliciously assumed my intentions as hate crime and threat,' he said.
Court documents obtained by New York Post reports that the posts prompted a hearing and inquiry by Assistant Vice Principle and Dean of Students Keith Eldredge after 'members of the Fordham community felt threatened by the social media posts.'
Tong maintained that he wasn't threatening people, but instead making personal political statements.
School officials launched an investigation into Tong that resulted in a June 10 hearing where he defended his posts.
Tong shared a letter from school officials that explained his penalties and a photo of his response letter on Twitter
Pictured: a letter from Fordham University addressed to Tong about the social media posts
Pictured: Tong's response to Fordham University after he said he would file a lawsuit over the penalities
Tong reportedly said he was 'sympathetic to the movement for racial equality' and his post about Dorn was 'to speak out against tyranny and oppression, while noting that the phrase has been used by various branches of the United States military.'
During the hearing, Tong added that he supported the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the photo was to illustrate that 'had students in China been afforded this right, there would have been fewer casualties at the hands of the Chinese State.'
It would take over a month for school officials to determine Tong's posts violated school protocol and placed a series of penalties on him.
Tong was put on disciplinary probation that banned him from participating in school office, student groups, sports and extracurriculars in the upcoming school year.
If he violates his probation, Tong could face suspension or even expulsion from the university.
Tong will also be forced to complete his senior year online and can only be on campus after getting permission. He must undergo bias training and had to write a letter of apology by Thursday.
Fordham University said Tong (pictured) would have to undergo bias training and write an apology over his Instagram posts
But Tong said the 'draconian' punishments ostracized him among his peers and he's now 'treated like a criminal.
Tong refused bias training and said he won't write a letter of apology because 'he plainly did not violate any Fordham policies … and should not have to submit to punishment for exercising his constitutional rights,' court documents read.
Brett Joshpe, Tong's attorney, told New York Post: 'Fordham’s disgraceful, Orwellian actions against our client are exactly why President Trump signed an Executive Order in 2019 specifying that schools can lose their federal taxpayer funding for violating their own free speech policies.
'Intellectual tyranny within the ranks of higher education–all for a mere $50,000 in annual tuition–must end right now.'
Tong, a Chinese immigrant, said he previously believed America was characterized by law and free speech, but that is 'no longer the case.'
'I was forcibly silenced, faced verbal and assaulting harassment from mobs, and subjected to Soviet-style interrogation and punishment by a Jesuit university that claims in its own code of conduct, that it protects "freedom of expression and the open exchange of idea,"' he wrote in the letter.
Tong doubled down on his push against Fordham University in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingrham.
'I think they have an issue with anything they disagree with and they want to silence any voice they don’t like and that’s really what happened and they silenced me because they don’t like what I said,' said Tong.
Tong set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for litigation costs as he prepares to take on Fordham University in court
The National Rifle Association shared a video of Tong and shared details of the incident on social media
He added that he's 'not going to say sorry' and 'won't back down' from fighting Fordham University.
'This is not just my case. They took my life away. They put my future into a very bad place and that’s why I’m going to bet all my future into this.' he said.
'We are going to be fighting hard. “I’m going to be suing them very soon and we are going to be fighting for people across the country.'
Tong created a GoFundMe last week to raise money for litigation costs and , as of Thursday night, had raised more than $55,600.
He was also featured in a video by the National Rifle Association shooting a rifle and speaking about the incident.
'Fordham University accused him of owning an “automatic weapon” and they’re trying to silence him, but this NRA member is not backing down,' the post read.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Tong for further comment.
Read more:
- Fordham student wrongfully penalized for social media posts: suit
- Fordham University Bans Student from Campus Over Tiananmen Square Posts | National Review
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The University Code of Conduct
The following actions are considered violations of the University Code of Conduct and are punishable by sanctions imposed in accordance with the published student conduct procedures of the University.
- All forms of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, supplying false information to any University official, as well as forgery or use of University documents or instruments of identification with intent to defraud.
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